The Winter Games of Sophie Berlin: A Short Story

by Renata Illustrata

A match is a story waiting to be told.

Sophie Berlin’s in a fully committed relationship with her career and thrilled to host a charity tennis tournament during winter break from her regular coaching gig, the first move in a multi-step plan to start her own tennis camp. She’s convinced there’s no room for love in her ambitious future. That is, until the tournament umpire, Max, starts serving sexy vibes.

Sophie struggles to keep her head in the game and the tournament on track while juggling the delicious distraction with her do-gooding ambitions as shadows of her parents' troubled relationship loom in the background and threaten to sabotage her secret hope that Max might be the one man strong enough to support her dreams.

Will this new umpire shake her distrust of love and convince her the right match really can start a fire?



This story first appeared in As the Snow A Cozy Winter Anthology, released in November 2024 by And You Press, an imprint of Nicole Frail Books.

Genres: Short Stories

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2024

About the author

Renata Illustrata is an author, illustrator, and curator of whimsy from the sweet tea-soaked hills of Tennessee.

She loves crafting narratives with big heart, big problems, and a witty, whimsical resemblance to real life. Her work has also been featured in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

When permitted to goof off, Renata enjoys drawing cartoons, designing impertinent t-shirts, late-night baking, and overspending wildly on art supplies. Follow her shenanigans on Instagram: @renataillustrata.

Reviews

[Karla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sophie is all about her career and has zero time for love—until she meets Max, the charming umpire at her charity tennis tournament. Between keeping the event on track, chasing her dream of starting a tennis camp, and fighting the shadow of her parents’ messy past, Sophie has to decide if she can let herself fall for someone who might just be her perfect match.

This short book is about a very unique way of fundraising, and I really liked how many ideas came from just one main character. Aside from Sophie’s constant planning and reliance on her to-do lists, she didn’t leave too much of an impression on me—I expected a bit more engagement from her. On the other hand, I really liked Max; he subtly helps, and his character develops quite well in such a short time. The book has a slight holiday touch, but the main focus is, of course, the tennis tournament, which turns out to be quite sweet. If you enjoy short romance reads with a sprinkle of social engagement done well, this is definitely one for you.

[Ali DeMoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Winter Games of Sophie Berlin! Sophie is a protagonist with relatable quirks and flaws while exemplifying the kind of selflessness we all wish to strive for. The author skillfully introduces Sophie and a supportive cast of characters through challenges and insecurities. And we gladly follow her, Max, Anna, Piper, et all. as they take courageous strides toward things they want to achieve, improve, and change. Best of all, we as readers can get on board with all the heartfelt feelings and experiences as they’re served to us across the tennis court. This story is the perfect slice of life to enjoy by the fire with a nice cup of hot cocoa on a cold day.

[Nancie Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and Sophie

Renata Illustrata serves up a captivating tale with The Winter Games of Sophie Berlin, a story that's a real match made in heaven, balancing sizzling chemistry with Sophie's internal struggles, shaped by her parents' ridiculously rocky past. As Sophie fights to stay focused on her goals, the story beautifully explores the tension between independence and vulnerability, making readers root for her to find both success and love. For those of us who enjoy sports-themed romance with a touch of emotional depth, The Winter Games of Sophie Berlin delivers a winning match filled with heart, ambition, and undeniable sparks.

[Amber Moody · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute short read. If like a clean sports romance, this book will be good for you. No spice. Tennis.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and a little bit boring. It's clean, though.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good tennis tournament!!!!

[Masha’s Book Dome · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s short, and sweet. Can’t say much more because there just isn’t anything more in it.

[María Peláez García · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute

[Rita Ferraz · Rating 3 out of 5]

They’re cute, I liked it!!